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{{Infobox holiday
| holiday_name = Mela Pat
| type = Religious and Cultural
| image =
| imagesize =
| caption =
| official_name =
| nickname =
| observedby = [[Hindus]] in [[Chenab Valley]]'s Bhaderwah
| litcolor =
| longtype = Annual Festival
| significance = Worship of [[Vasuki|Lord Vasuki Naag Maharaj]]
| begins = 1st day after Kailash Yatra on Rishi Panchmi
| ends = 3rd day
| date =
| scheduling = Same day each year
| duration = 3 days
| frequency = Annual
| week_ordinal =
| weekday =
| month = September (mostly)
| date2021 = 11 September 2021
| date2022 = 10 September 2022
| date2023 = 20 September 2023
| date2024 =
| date2025 =
| celebrations = Processions, Darshan of Mela Pat, Dhakku Dance
| observances =
| relatedto = Hindu Festival, Cultural Dance, Snake Worship
}}
{{Hindu festival date info}}

The '''Mela Pat''' (also '''Mela Patt''' or '''Mela Paat''') is an annual religious and cultural festival held in [[Bhaderwah]] town of [[Chenab Valley|Chenab region]] in the [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Indian-administered union territory of Jammu and Kashmir]]. This three-day event is dedicated to the worship of Lord Vasuki Naag Maharaj, the Presiding Deity of Bhaderwah.<ref name="a307">{{cite news | title=Mela Pat: Annual Celebration of Devotion and Tradition Commences in Bhaderwah | website=[[The Chenab Times]] | date=21 September 2023 |url=https://thechenabtimes.com/2023/09/21/mela-pat-annual-celebration-of-devotion-and-tradition-commences-in-bhaderwah/ | access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref><ref name="a918">{{cite news | title=J&K Govt issues list of holidays for 2023 | website=[[Greater Kashmir]] | date=30 December 2022 |url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/todays-paper/state/jk-govt-issues-list-of-holidays-for-2023 | access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>

== History ==
The origins of Mela Pat date back to the sixteenth century when [[Akbar|Emperor Akbar]] was impressed by the spiritual power of Raja Nagpal, the ruler of [[Bhaderwah#History|Bhaderwah Principality]] in 16th century.<ref name="x003">{{cite news | title=Three-day historic Mela-Patt begins | website=[[Daily Excelsior]] | date=11 September 2021 |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/three-day-historic-mela-patt-begins-2/ | access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> This power was attributed to the blessings of the serpent [[Vasuki|Lord Nag Raj Vasuki]]. Emperor Akbar awarded substantial wealth to Raja Nagpal as a token of respect to the serpent god, which included metallic vessels, gold and silver ornaments, silk fabrics, and musical instruments.<ref name="f482">{{cite news | title=भद्रवाह में धूमधाम से संपन्न हुआ मेला पट्ट | trans-title=Mela Patt concluded with great pomp in Bhaderwah| website=[[Punjab Kesari]] | date=29 August 2017 |url=https://m.punjabkesari.in/national/news/patt-mela-concluded-in-bhaderwah-668041 | language=hi | access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>

Mela Pat is traditionally organized after the conclusion of the [[Mount Kailash#Pilgrimage|Kailash Yatra]] in Bhaderwah and takes place every year on the auspicious occasion of [[Rishi Panchami]], also known as [[Naga Panchami]].<ref name="a307"/>

The Mela Patt holiday is officially observed by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir exclusively in the Bhaderwah and Bhalla tehsils.<ref name="y717">{{cite web | title=Mela Pat (Tehsil Bhaderwah and Tehsil Bhalla only) | website= [[National Informatics Centre]] | date=20 October 2019 |url=https://jk.nic.in/holiday/mela-pat-tehsil-bhaderwah-and-tehsil-bhalla-only/ | access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>

== Rituals and Ceremonies ==
The Mela begins on the evening of "[[Ganesh Chaturthi|Vinayak Chuturthi]]" or "Patharchoth" with the iconic "Jahari" procession, which starts from the [[Lord Ganesh|Ganesh Temple]] in Bhaderwah at around 8 pm on the first day.<ref name="a307"/> Carried by a representative from the Raj-purohit family, the conical metallic pot, Jahari, is decorated with marigold flower garlands and 'Haraii' adorned with colorful cloth pieces. The procession, accompanied by enthusiastic slogans, traverses the town's main bazaars and concludes at the Vasuki Dhera Temple.<ref name="x003"/>

On the second day, an early morning Pat procession is carried out in front of the Durga Temple, Ganesh Temple, and Vasuki Naag Temple.<ref name="a307"/> The procession is led by Dashnan and includes Chailas (Mystic Men), Bajantaries, and devoted worshippers. Then the Jahari moves to the house of Rajgurus' in Mohalla Khakhal. A team of selected locals called "Dashan" prepares the traditional "Patt Jhanki." The Patt, with the Jahari on top, is now ready for exhibition.<ref name="x003"/><ref name="j165"/>

Traditional dances are performed before the [[Nāga|Naga Deity]], and the procession concludes at the house of Rajgurus in Khakhal, where devotees gather to have Darshan of the Patt and pay homage to Nag Raj Vasuki and Raja Nagpal. During this time, devotees offer flowers to the Pat as a symbol of their devotion.<ref name="j165"/><ref name="b614"/>

The actual fair starts in the evening at about 4-5 o'clock, attracting people from all corners of the region. Regardless of caste, creed, or gender, they come to witness the fair with zeal and reverence, showering flower petals over the Patt and the procession. Mela Patt features a multi-colored cloth dance, accompanied by the harmonious beats of drums, flutes, horns, and conches.<ref name="j165">{{cite web | title=Mela Patt | website=Bhaderwah.com |url=http://www.bhaderwah.com/tourism/ptourism/mela_patt.html | access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref> Dashans encircle the person carrying the Patt, supporting the dance in a unique style. The dance continues with short resting periods. This fair continues for three days, marked by public rejoicing. The term "Patt" refers to the royal robe that was gifted by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to Raja Nagpal. This robe, which held significant historical and cultural importance, was also put on display during the festival.<ref name="b614">{{cite news | title=Mela Patt kicks off in J-K's Bhaderwah; organisers demand 'heritage' status for festival | website=[[ThePrint]] | date=2 September 2022 |url=https://theprint.in/india/mela-patt-kicks-off-in-j-ks-bhaderwah-organisers-demand-heritage-status-for-festival/1113212/ | access-date=22 September 2023}}</ref>

On the concluding day of the festival, the chief and traditional "Dhakku" dance is performed by the local people.<ref name="a307"/> Dhakku dance holds a special place in the folk dances of India, maintaining its originality, simplicity, unique identity, and captivating effects on the heart and soul.<ref name="j165"/><ref name="x003"/>

== Participation ==
Mela Pat attracts thousands of devotees from across the Jammu and Kashmir.<ref name="j165"/> The successful organization and conduct of the Mela are overseen by the Mela Pat Committee, Khakhal Sewa Sang, and Dharmarth Trust.<ref name="a307"/>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Jammu and Kashmir}}

[[Category:Culture of Chenab Valley]]
[[Category:Culture of Jammu and Kashmir]]
[[Category: Festivals]]
[[Category: Chenab Valley]]
[[Category:Religious festivals in India]]
[[Category:Festivals in Jammu and Kashmir]]

Mela Pat - Revision history

Ajay Kumar: Creating a new article